FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (YEAR C):
1st/2nd May 2010
Fr Frank writes:
Last Sunday we distributed a letter from the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales concerning child abuse in the Catholic Church. This is an important statement which deals sensitively with a difficult issue. If you didn't receive a copy and would like one, please get in touch.
St Augustine's church will be open (side entrance) for private prayer before the Blessed Sacrament for the four Fridays in May (with Holy Hour on the 7th). Do take the Bishops' invitation to heart and come along and pray for all victims of abuse.
I am still hoping for readers for our Pentecost Masses who are willing to read one of the readings in a language other than English (preferably in their own 'first language'). If you can help, please let me know. Translations into most languages can be provided.
May God our loving Father richly bless you.
Father Frank
Parish News:
- New Hall School Open Day tomorrow Monday 3rd May: from 9am - 12.30pm. Presentations from the Principal and current students at 10.30 and 11.30am. New Hall is the top performing Catholic co-ed independent school in the UK. Each year we offer 11+ and 13+ boarding and day Scholarships specifically for Catholic students coming from both state and independent schools. More info from www.newhallschool.co.uk
- Christian Aid Week 9-15 May: Aid is what we do; Christian is why we do it. Please see Maureen after Mass if you would like to be a house-to-house collector, or a collector with buckets as ASDA. Detailed written guidance is always available from Maureen Henes (01245 469933).
- Pentecost Sunday: 23rd May: On Pentecost Sunday I am again hoping that the readings at all our Masses will be in a language other than English. If you are able and willing to read at one of the Masses on that day (particularly if your first language is not English) I would like to hear from you as soon as possible. As in the past, I shall 'sign' the Eucharistic Prayer - so we have the language of the Deaf Community included in all our Masses that Sunday as well. Thank you, Fr Frank
From the Diocese:
- Brentwood Catholic Youth Service London Treasure Hunt: Sunday 6th June, for those in school years 6, 7 and 8. This is the first time that we've run this event, and all parishes are welcome to enter one or more teams, although places are limited and teams will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Each team must have 6 young people and be accompanied by 2 responsible adults. For an entry form, and more details, please click here to Email or contact the youth office on 01277 265286.
- The Essex Recusant Society: next meeting Saturday 15th May 2.30 pm at The Grange, 93 Queens Road, Brentwood. Fr. Paul Keane will be speaking about the martyr paintings at the Venerable English College in Rome. He has recently published a book on the subject entitled 'The Martyr's Crown'. Copies of the book will be available for purchase on the day. To join the Society or for more information please contact the Hon. Secretary, Miss Isobel Parks on 01268 289678."
- Marriage Preparation Survey: Are you or is someone you know getting married in the Catholic church this year? The Bishops' Committee for Marriage and Family Life are gathering information on marriage preparation in 2010 and want to hear from anyone involved and especially couples to learn more about their experiences. If you can help please visit www.catholicmarriage.org.uk where you can find information about the initiative and access the brief online surveys.
- SVP St John Bosco Camp: offers children aged 8-13 a sports and activity based holiday on a campsite in the Essex countryside. Run with a Catholic ethos, the camp is especially for children who may not have any other holiday this year. For all the details, including possible financial support, contact Fr Frank. Helpers for the Camp are also needed; it is a brilliant experience and just a week of your time could make a massive difference. Helpers aged 16+ are welcome; helpers aged 18+ are especially needed. For more details and for application forms log onto www.svpboscocamp.org.uk
- Vocations Support in Brentwood Diocese: If you are considering a vocation to the Priesthood or are just curious about what such a vocation could look like, log onto www.brentwoodvocations.org. The site includes the Priests' blog - 14 Priests sharing aspects of their daily life and ministry - as well as lots of useful resources. Also www.invocation.org.uk gives news of a weekend in July with tremendous speakers and other input for men and women aged 18-35 considering vocation. If you would like a deeper conversation do talk to your own parish priest or contact Mgr John Armitage or Fr Dominic Howarth - details on the vocations website.
- 'Ever Ancient, Ever New' Friday 14th (eve) - Sun 16th May: A weekend for young adults aged 18-38, inviting them to consider the beauty of a call to the religious life in the 21st century, with the Community of Our Lady of Walsingham. For further details visit www.walsinghamcommunity.org/events.html or call Sr Camilla on 01277 373959/848.
- Brentwood Catholic Youth Service Alumni Mass and picnic- Sat 29th May: Everyone who has ever been involved with Walsingham House (either years ago in Chingford or more recently at Canvey Island), or been on pilgrimage to Lourdes, World Youth Day or other destinations with the Diocesan Youth Service, is very welcome to come and bring their families to a Reunion Mass on Saturday 29th May at midday at Walsingham House, Lionel Road, Canvey Island, SS8 9DE. For more info click here to Email or telephone the youth office on 01277 265286. Please don't forget to bring a picnic!
Advertisements:
- Need help with your garden?: Ring Joe on 01245 461203 - grass cutting, weeding hedge cutting, small tree lopping. Joe looks after the gardens at St Augustine's and comes with my personal recommendation. Fr Frank.
- School Chaplain sought for All Saints School, Dagenham: Three days/week. This is an exciting opportunity to help the faith development of pupils in the school, in a supportive and friendly environment. For full details contact Mrs Adams, Deputy Head, on 0208 270 4242 or click here to Email
Sunday Smile:
An elderly lady was posting an old family bible to her brother in another part of the country. Is there anything breakable in here? Asked the postmistress. Only the Ten Commandments, answered the lady.